Shop Like an Expert

Learn to take advantage of shopping shortcuts you thought only celebrities could use.

When it comes to stocking up on all your major purchases, forget trolling racks to find your size, running from floor to floor to put a look together, waving down an inattentive salesperson, or lugging bags around all day. Just have someone do it for you. Don't worry, you don't need a celebrity paycheck; most major shops and department stores offer personal shopping at no extra cost.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The process couldn't be easier. A private session usually starts with a conversation about your likes, sizes, needs, and budget, followed by an appointment lasting anywhere from one to four hours. And when you arrive at the store, voilà, you'll have a stocked dressing room waiting and you're ready to start wardrobe building. Your fashion pro will ensure everything fits (and is tailored right there) and offer advice on mixing and matching, accessorizing, and what to wear when. Not only are instant alterations key to efficient shopping, having your bags shipped or delivered home when you've still got a lot of shopping to do is worth the typically nominal fees.

Time-Saving Shopping Tips

• Set up an appointment with a personal shopper and try to be as specific as possible about what you expect and are looking for. Bring clips from fashion magazines of items you like or actual pieces you are looking to refresh. If that sounds too high maintenance for you, try calling ahead so a staffer can prepare a dressing room for you.• Go solo. Husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends, mothers, and children can be distractions when getting down to the business of wardrobe building.• Have your clothes altered at the time of purchase and sent to your house or office.• Build a relationship with an insider at your favorite store. He or she will pull pieces for you, hold hot items for you or put your name on the wait list for them, and call you when popular pieces come in. Touch base with your in-store friend regularly.• Keep your credit card on file at trusted stores so you can avoid the wait at the register. (Some small boutiques will even offer house accounts to their big-spending and loyal customers.) That way you can get your shopping done in a flash — or even make purchases over the phone.• Shop at off-peak hours. When the store first opens is best; everything is neat and orderly, and you'll have a salesperson all to yourself. Avoid the lunchtime and postwork rushes. • Take care of those who take care of you. Thank-you notes, holiday gifts, and a general appreciation for those who've helped you will go a long way.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Harper's BAZAAR participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.